The “Dimmock” Daguerreotype

(fig. 74) The Dimmock Daguerreotype

[Illustration on page 163]

In volume 16 of James A. Harrison’s edition of The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe (New York: George D. Sproul, 1902),
there is an oval photogravure reproduction (fig. 74) derived from the “Thompson” daguerreotype of
1849. The reproduction is accompanied by this caption: “From a daguerreotype of 1848-49, owned by Captain M. J. Dimmock, of
Richmond, Va. Presented by a son of John Allan to Captain Dimmock’s brother.” Whether this picture was in fact a
daguerreotype, as Harrison stated, or simply a retouched copy photograph taken from the “Thompson” image (fig. 22), is unknown; the scratchy lines visible in the background of the Harrison reproduction suggest the
latter. It is doubtful that any daguerreotype of Poe would have belonged to a son of John Allan, since Poe’s relations with the
Allan family were effectively severed in 1834. The mention of “Captain Dimmock’s brother” suggests Harrison was making
a confused reference to a daguerreotype once owned by the journalist Thomas Dimmock, now in the collection of the Players Club (fig. 75). A more accurate evaluation of the likeness might be formed if the original picture used in the
Harrison edition should ever come to light.